President Raisi Commits Iran's Expertise to Sri Lanka's Development; Rejects Dominance Narrative

COLOMBO (News 1st); Iran's President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi in a one-day visit to Sri Lanka emphasized Iran’s technical prowess and engineering expertise and highlighted that Iranian experts are currently involved in significant electricity and water projects across more than 20 countries.

He was speaking at the inauguration of Sri Lanka's Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project.

"Today the Islamic Republic Of Iran, enjoys great technical and engineering skills and expertise, and in more than 20 countries, our experts are running great and big electricity and water projects," he said.

President Raisi praised the efforts of knowledgeable and skilled Iranian experts who have not only generated knowledge within the Islamic Republic but have also shared it with Asian countries, nothing that their dedication and innovative thinking have led to the successful completion of major projects in various regions.

"The Western countries tried to convince all others that knowledge and technology was only exclusive to those countries. But the Iranian, knowledgeable, and skillfull experts, through their efforts, through their good thinking and through their knowledge, have been able not only to create knowledge in Islamic Iran, but at the same time to send it to all parts of Asian countries, and to ensure to complete and conclude great projects," said the President.

Reflecting on the Islamic revolution and the sacrifices made by martyrs, including the late General Soleimani, President Raisi underscored the Iranian people’s unwavering determination, adding that despite facing challenges, they have demonstrated their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable progress.

"The Islamic revolution in my country, my Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini, and at the same time, all martyrs of my country who dedicated their lives to my country, including Late General Soleimani, taught to our nation that we can do it. The will and determination of the Iranian people was realized, and our enemies were disappointed," he said.

Addressing Sri Lanka directly, President Raisi expressed Iran’s readiness to collaborate. He assured the Sri Lankan government of Iran’s willingness to share its 45 years of knowledge, expertise, and experience. This offer extends to technical and engineering services, aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s development initiatives.

“We stand ready,” President Raisi declared, “to ensure a strong partnership between our two countries.” He encouraged Sri Lanka’s leaders to explore joint ventures, particularly in peak projects and development initiatives. By exporting technical and engineering services, Iran aims to contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s progress.

Furthermore, President Raisi expressed Iran’s commitment to expanding bilateral relations with all Asian countries, neighboring states, and sovereign nations.

"We stand fully ready, to further expand our bilateral relations, with all asian countries, our neighbouring countries, and sovereign and independent states. Sri Lanka is one of the sovereign and independent countries, who has aligned policies with the Islamic Republic Of Iran, and through our joint cooperation, and collaboration we can create a very shining future for our two countries, and our two nations." he elaborated.

President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi also conveyed a message of unity, faith, and cooperation to a diverse audience that included followers of various religions, men, women, and the younger generation.

President Raisi underscored the importance of trusting in the Almighty God, who serves as the ultimate source of power. Simultaneously, he encouraged self-reliance and self-sufficiency, recognizing the unique graces and blessings bestowed upon each individual. According to him, this trust can pave the way for development and progress within any nation.

"I believe that my trusting in the Almighty God, who is the source of all powers, and by trusting in yourself and your own self-sufficiancy, and by trusting in the different graces and bounties God has bestowed upon you, you can realize development and progress in your country," he said.

The President challenged the prevailing global narrative propagated by dominant powers. These powers often assert that development and progress are impossible without their presence, participation, and knowledge. President Raisi categorically rejected this notion, labeling it as rooted in colonization, arrogance, and an unfair system. His stance emphasized Iran’s commitment to an alternative path—one that values sovereignty and self-determination.

"The dominance system in the world tried to convince all other countries that without their presence, their participation, and without their knowledge, it is not possible to realize development and progress. We believe that these words are rooted in colonization, arrogance, and the unfair system, and we believe that it is totally rejected," said the President.

The President’s focus remained firmly on the welfare of the people. He emphasized that the joint efforts undertaken by Iran and Sri Lanka were not merely about infrastructure or economic gains. Instead, they represented a commitment to the well-being of both nations’ citizens.

President Raisi also invoked the longevity of both Iran and Sri Lanka. “Long Live Iran, Long Live Sri Lanka”.